Coordination :: Cooperation :: Collaboration

FEDERATION OF INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF ACT (FINACT)

https://www.finact.net.au

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

Executive Committee: Dr Krishna Nadimpalli President Dr Surjit Kang Vice-President Dr Roshan Menon Secretary Dr Manohar Vemuri Treasurer Ms Ishwarya Venkat Representative (Youth) Ms Arty Arunachalam Representative (Women) Mr Reshma Jhunjhunwala Coordinator (Community Services) Manohar Vemuri Coordinator (Cultural Programs) Mr Ravi Krish Public Officer Mrs Sunita Dhindsa AusIndia Fair Coordinator

Annual General Meeting 21 July 2019

Member Associations ACT Telangana Association

Australian Anglo Indian Association of Canberra

Australian Tamil Society of ACT

Bengali Cultural Association of Canberra

Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand

Canberra Hindu Mandir

Canberra Jain Mandal

Canberra Malayalee Association

Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association (CPSCA)

Canberra Sikh Association (CSA)

Gujarati Samaj of ACT

India Australia Multicultural Sports Association

Indian Australian Association of Health and Well-being

Indian Students Association

Initiatives for Women in Needs

Integrated Cultures ACT

Indian Senior Citizens Association

Indian Students Association

Karnataka Association of Canberra

Mandir School of Music

Mehak Punjab Di

Navya Andhra Telugu Association

Oriya Association (OriOz)

Rajasthan Sabha of Australia and New Zealand

Rajdhani Marathi Mandal Canberra

Sprintz

Telugu Association of Canberra

Acknowledgements The following people have provided amazing support for FINACT and were essential to its success.

Elected Representatives:

Ms Chris Steel, Patron of FINACT, Minister for Multicultural Affairs,

Sen. Zed Seselja, Minister for Social Services & Multicultural Affairs

Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith, Minister for Multicultural Affairs

Dr Andrew Leigh, Member of Parliament

Mr Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of ACT

Mr Alistair Coe, Leader of Opposition in ACT.

Mr Shane Rattenbury, Minister for Environment.

Ms Giulia Jones, Shadow Minister for Corrections

Ms Elizabeth Kikkert, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs

Government Delegates:

HE Dr Ajay Gondane, High Commissioner of India

Mr P.S. Kathigeyan, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India

Ms Jacinta Evans, Executive Director, Department of Participation & Inclusion

Ms Jenny Wells, Director, Multicultural Affairs

Ms Naheed Hafiz, Community Engagement Officer, Department of Home Affairs

FINACT Delegates:

Mr. Amardeep Singh, President (2013-14 & 2015-17)

Mrs Jayanti Gupta, President (2012-13)

Mr Jacob Vadakkedathu, President (2011-12)

FINACT Partners:

Mr Sreeni Pillamarri, President United India Associations (UIA), Sydney

Reji Thompson, Chairperson, Canberra India Business Group

Cricket ACT

Federation of Ethnic Council of Australia (FECCA)

Canberra Multicultural Community Forum

FINACT Members

Dr Harjinder Dhindsa for organizing AusIndia Fair

Sanjay Pandey for supporting the social media and newsletters

Mr Kanti Jinna for Parliamentary Submission

Mr Prakash Mehta and Shanti Reddy for constitution review

President’s Message It is a great pleasure to submit the Annual Report of Federation of Indian Associations of ACT (FINACT) for 2018-19 and proud to be part for last six years. I express my deep gratitude to the member associations for bestowing their confidence in me to provide leadership to the FINACT. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I can confidently express the year 2018-19 is highly strategic, proposed new initiatives, well executed while providing collective leadership. Mr Chris Steel accepted to be the patron of FINACT and appreciated the efforts of FINACT.

As leader of Indian diaspora, FINACT made a submission to Australian Parliamentary Enquiry for “Participation and Abuse of Dowry in Australia”, presented our voice before the Senate Committee. FINACT has pursued with National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpretors (NAATI) for a review of accreditation to consider more languages. NAATI has recognised Telugu, Malayalam and Gujarati as community languages and FINACT would follow for Creditation of Community Languages (CCL) test. Further, I pursued with the immigration community liaison officers on community visa issues.

AusIndia Fair is like a flagship initiative for FINACT. We continued the event with the support of CPSCA, Canberra India Business Group (CIBG) and many other sponsorers. This will be an established platform to harmonise the Indians with Australian culture. Inspite of bad weather, the event was successfully completed and received positive feedback from sponsors and High Commission of India. FINACT to continue the fair for a better integration and collaboration with many other communities.

FINACT has collaboratively organised a 10 day walk from Sydney to Canberra with UIA visting Australian farmers during the draught. The event was concluded with a celebration of 150th year Gandhi Birthday.

The cricket tournament was highly successful with 16 teams participated. FINACT hosted the Chief Minister’s Diwali reception at Theo-Notaras Centre. Successfully organised Community Harmony Day and participated in National Multicultural Festival.

I express my sincere thanks to the executive committee members and their families supporting highly demanding initiatives to take the organisation to a new high. My contribution made towards promoting multiculturalism in ACT through FINACT is recognised and honoured with Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

This is my last year of providing leadership to FINACT and extremely happy to leave the organisation in the best hands. My best wishes and blessings for the new committee to take the organisation forward and do many more projects to empower the community.

Dr Krishna Nadimpalli, OAM

Background Federation of Indian Association of ACT (FINACT) provides a unified voice for all associations and promotes the values of Indian communities in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. FINACT is a peak umbrella body in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and enjoys membership representing organisations of Indian regional, linguistic, youth, women and senior citizens.

The FINACT’s objectives include promotion an awareness about Indians being responsible Australian citizens and to cultivate a feeling of mutual respect through increased social & cultural interaction, sport and recreation. FINACT act as a channel of communication between the Indian community and the Governments Federal, the Territory/State or the Indian Government) on welfare, social and economic matters. The main objective of FINACT is to provide the unified voice for the numerous and diverse Indian community groups in the ACT that is reflected in its slogan Coordination: Cooperation: Collaboration. FINACT is enabling the Indian communities to represent with one voice to the Australian Government and to the High Commission of India.

FINACT Activities Strategic Issues Australian Constitutional Review – Abuse of Dowry in Australia Australian Parliament has set up a Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee to review “The practice of dowry and the incidence of dowry abuse in Australia. I have initiated a public consultation workshop to prepare a parliamentary submission through FINACT and other similar organisations.

FINACT started a campaign Dowry – A Disgrace and Inhumane Practice and empower the vulnerable women to domestic violence to stand on their feet and live with dignity. FINACT made a submission for the senate enquiry on Participation of Dowry and Abuse of Dowry in Australia. FINACT team attended Senate Enquiry on 3rd December 2018 to present evidence to the submission on Participation and Abuse of Dowry in Australia. Senator Leuise Pratt and Senator Ian McDonald are on the committee. Sunita Dhindsa and Kanti Jinna joined to present the evidence to the committee.

Accreditation of Community Languages in Australia FINACT is representing various communities and made submissions to Federal Government and National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) for the Accreditation of Community Languages Review.

FINACT actively raised awareness of Australian Census and how to provide relevant information in Census to help informed decision making. As part of this process the

delegates pursued with Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Former Minister of Multicultural Affairs in 2015 and Senator Zed Seselja, Minister for Multicultural Affairs in 2017.

This has resulted Australia recognised three languages Gujarat, Malayalam and Telugu from subcontinent for translation and interpretation services. As a first step, NAATI is seeking Recognised Language Practitioner applications for the above languages. Now the process for Credential Community Language (5 points for PR application) is separated and I am submitting business case for the above languages. Thanks to Mark Painting, CEO of NAATI for meeting the delegates to explain the processes on 18 April 2019.

Inclusiveness & Events AusIndia Fair Federation of Indian Associations of ACT (FINACT) organised the mega event “AusIndia Fair” on 30 March 2019 at Stage 88, Commonwealth Park. Despite being the first time, “AusIndia Fair” was successful in bringing the Indian diaspora and the broader Australian community together to embrace diversity and inclusiveness of migrants in Australia.

“AusIndia Fair” showcased cultural fusion and maintained the vibrancy until the end of day. More than 150 participants performed reflecting Australia’s heritage and multiculturalism. The spectators were present until the end. The day started with kids sports and yoga session. Excitement picked up with Tug-of-War competition.

There were 30 stalls occupied by diverse businesses including food, Ayurved, real estate, IT Businesses BMW Car Show, Darjeeling tea, Incredible India and many more.

The fair was graced by many dignitaries including Senator Zed Seselja (Assistant Minister for Treasury & Finance), Hon Mike Kelly (Member of Parliament), Chris Steel (Patron & Minister for Multicultural Affairs), Rachel Stephen-Smith (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs), Shane Rattenbury (Minister for Climate Change), Alistair Coe (Leader of Opposition), Elizabeth Lee (MLA), Elizabeth Kikkert (MLA), Ms Nicole Lawder (MLA), HE Ajay Gondane (High Commissioner), PS Karthigeyan (Deputy High Commissioner) and many others.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Hon Mr Scott Morrison and Leader of Opposition Hon Bill Shorten have sent their messages and acknowledged the contribution of Indian community and the Australian-Indian relationship.

Even though the weather was bad on the day, the “AusIndia Fair” has set a benchmark and provided the national capital an opportunity to harness business and community

collaborations. Canberra is looking forward to bigger and more opportunities to bring through “AusIndia Fair 2020”.

Walk from Sydney to Canberra Visiting Australian Farmers During Draught in 2018

Dr Krishna provided leadership as President of FINACT in collaboration with United India Association (UIA) of NSW. Mr Sreeni Pillamari and his team must be appreciated to complete the Walk.

The Walk from Sydney to Canberra To Visit Draught Effected Farmers aimed to raise awareness of Australian drought impacts on farming and raise significant amount of funds for Australian Helpers. This ten day walk was started at Paramatta on 22 September by UIA and finished on 2 October at Glebe Park in Canberra. This Gandhian way of bringing harmony with vulnerable communities was concluded on 150 birth year of Mahatma Gandhi Birthday at ACT Legislature Assembly.

FINACT T20 Cricket Tournament

FINACT organised T-20 cricket tournament for its consecutive eighth year and is considered as one of the most popular community cricket tournament in ACT. There were 16 teams participated and run the tournament for six weeks. The tournament was inaugurated by the Mr James Milligan (Shadow Minister for Sports) and PS Karthigeyan (Deputy High Commissioner of India). FINACT takes this opportunity to thank my executive committee, all the 240 players, 26 associations, many sponsors and countless members of community for their support and contribution in the successful conclusion of FINACT T20 cricket tournament 2019.

Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Team PK11 did it again. Won the FINACT T - 20 Cricket Tournament for 4th year in a row. PK11 won the toss and elected to ball first. Bundled the Tamil Super King on 122/9 and chased the score in merely 13 overs and won the championship by 6 wickets. Congratulations to PK11 team on their record winning streaks.

Chief Minister Diwali Reception

ACT Chief Minister hosts the Diwali reception every year and the Department of Participation and Inclusiveness asked the community to come together and organise the event. Krishna Nadimpalli, Kanti Jinna, Niranjan Agarwal and Deepak Raj Gupta collectively provided advice. FINACT provided all the help required for the department to organise the event.

FINACT Constitutional Amendments

FINACT member associations raised several inconsistencies in the existing constitution and proposed to amend. Dr Shanti Reddy, Mr Prakash Mehta and Dr Krishna Nadimpalli reviewed the constitution and proposed new amendments.

FINACT called for a Special General Council Meeting to discuss the amendments and finalise the constitutions. The new amendments were accepted after discussions and lodged the new constitution with ACT Government. Copy of the amended constitution can be browsed from https://finact.net.au/home/images/2018/11/FINACT-Constitution-Amendments-19Nov2018.pdf

Community Harmony Day

FINACT organised the Community Harmony Day on 2 March 2019 with aim to facilitate a networking opportunity for various Indian community leaders, other community leaders, ACT Ministers, Shadow Ministers, MLAs, Member of Parliamentarians, Senators, Vice Chancellor, Key Government Officials and High Commissioners of India. FINACT is promoting the sense of belonging for everyone through the annual Community Harmony Day celebrations for last six years. The event was also helped to promote AusIndia Fair.

Participation in Multiculturalism FINACT and its member associations have participated actively in the ACT Multicultural Festival. FINACT, Canberra Hindu Mandir, Telugu Association of Canberra, ACT Telangana Association, Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association, Canberra Sikh Association and many other communities hold their stalls in the festival.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council celebrated Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival on Sunday 3 March at Queanbeyan Park. FINACT and its member association in addition to other multicultural communities. Troupes from our member associations Canberra Multicultural Artists Association Inc, performed in the festival.

FINACT participated in participating in ACT Multicultural Summit. This is an opportunity to build a city of diversity and inclusive. Canberra is not a homogenous society and city needs a unique framework for its future. FINACT participated in the summit workshop and made contribution to make a difference and representing the community views.

Honours Congratulations to Dr Krishna Nadimpalli to the receive the honour “Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)” to promote multiculturalism in ACT. Congratulations to Prof Dharmendra Sharma for receiving the honour Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his meritorious services in Information Technology. Congratulations to Mr Deepak Raj Gupta to become an MLA on the resignation of Minister Meegan Fitzharris. Mr Deepak is the first ever Indian born Australian Citizen to become an MLA.

Indian President Visit FINACT represented the ACT at the Reception for Rashtrapati Hon Ram Nath Kovind hosted by High Commissioner of India at Sydney. He is the first President to visit Australia. It was a great opportunity to build network with several eminent community personals arrived from across the nation. Speeches by Honorable President and HE Dr Ajay Gondane highlighted contributions of Indian community at large and harness opportunities emerging.

Grants FINACT has successfully received ACT Multicultural Grant $440 for participating in the National Multicultural Festival. ACT Multicultural Grant was rejected due to the accruals not submitted by the Initiatives for Women in Need (IWiN) for 2015-16 grants. FINACT was an auspice for IWiN for that grant.

General Council Meetings The first general council meeting of FINACT was held in 22 October 2017 at Gungahlin Club. The GC further reviewed activities since last GC meeting, financial status, upcoming events and activities. It was decided to call for Special General Council to be called to review the constitutional amendments.

The second general council meeting was held in January hosted by Hon. Senator Zed Seselja, Federal Assistant Minister for Science, Innovation and Jobs held in Australian Parliament house. Meeting started with an inspiring address by our host Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, followed by an introduction by all delegates. The GC reviewed activities since last GC meeting, financial status, upcoming events and activities.

The third general council meeting was held in Gungahlin Library in May 2019. The GC reviewed activities since last GC meeting, financial status, upcoming events and activities.

Meetings with our elected representatives We have worked to share information about the FINACT and its history both at the Federal and ACT level. We have met with decision makers and raised concerns the community has in Canberra.

The newly elected FINACT executive committee also held some meetings with all sides of politics. FINACT has been assured of the commitment and patronage to the concept of multiculturism from all sides of politics including Labor, Liberals and the Greens.

All the best wishes from FINACT for his tour and return with many complimentary laurels

Our Sponsors

We thank all our sponsors, supporters and partners for their support throughout the

year 2017-18 and are looking forward to their patronage in the coming year.